Dental Assistant - Pediatric Dentistry

University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-campus work environment

Job summary

The University of Iowa College of Dentistry seeks a dedicated Dental Assistant to support pediatric patients and a team of dentists, students, and hygienists. You will assist in a range of pediatric procedures, including restorative and surgical care, while ensuring child-friendly communication and safety.

Role includes radiography, prophylaxis, sterilization, and instrument prep; prior CODA-accredited training or equivalent experience is required.

Qualifications

• CODA-accredited dental assisting program or 1 year chairside experience in four-handed dentistry.
• Current Iowa dental radiography proficiency (QDA) required.
• May require Expanded Functions EF-1 / EF-2.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists and students with pediatric dentistry procedures from exam to restorative/surgical care.
• Support care for children with developmental disabilities.
• Perform prophylaxis, radiographs, sterilization, and restock supplies.
• Explain procedures and oral hygiene products to patients and parents.
• Set up trays and equipment for pediatric procedures.
• Maintain dental equipment and prepare instruments per OSHA.

Skills

Pediatric dentistry support

Four-handed dentistry

Radiography

Sterilization procedures

Communication skills

Spanish (desirable)

Education

CODA-accredited dental assisting program

Job description

The College of Dentistry, Pediatric Department is seeking a motivated and compassionate professional to join our team. In this role, you’ll provide hands-on support to dentists, dental students, and hygienists as they deliver exceptional care to pediatric and special needs patients. This position offers the opportunity to rotate through a variety of clinical setting providing broad clinical exposure and meaningful patient care experiences. Bring your skills to our collaborative pediatric team.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists and dental students with pediatric dentistry procedures ranging from examination to restorative and surgical treatment.
• Dental assist doctors and students in the provision of oral health care to children with developmental disabilities.
• Dental assist with oral sedations of pediatric patients including the use of nitrous oxide analgesia.
• Explain/demonstrate DAU concepts and principals to dental students.
• Explain/demonstrate procedures & appropriate oral hygiene products to patients/parents.
• Perform a pumice (rubber cup) prophylaxis for coronal surfaces.
• Expose/process radiographs as requested.
• Restock supplies.
• Dental assist RDH as needed.
• Under OSHA guidelines, prepare instruments for sterilizations and sterilize select instruments as required.
• Perform routine daily maintenance of the dental equipment.
• Explain clinical operation policies and procedures to students, faculty and newly employed dental assistants.
• Set up trays and equipment for pediatric dentistry procedures.
• Mix materials, pour impressions and trim models as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

An advanced starting salary may be possible based on exceptional qualifications.

Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am to 5:00pm

May require occasional overtime.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

• Successful completion of a CODA accredited dental assistance program or one-year full time equivalency in chairside assistant experience assisting in four-handed method of dentistry.
• Must have a current certificate of registration to practice as a dental assistant issued by the Iowa Board of Dental Examiners. (QDA)
• Must possess current Iowa certificate of proficiency in dental radiography. (QDA)
• May require Expanded Functions (EF-1 and/or EF-2) based on specific needs assigned by provider.

HIGHLY Desirable

• Experience w/children.
• Fluency in Spanish.
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.

Desirable

• Knowledge of dental assisting skills.
• Certified Dental Assistant.

Position NOT eligible for University Sponsorship of Employment Authorization.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 10 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. For questions or additional information, please contact [e-mail].

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Dental Assistant
• Appointment Type: Merit
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus

Compensation

• Pay Level: 8
• Starting Salary Minimum: 46604.16

Contact Information

• Organization: College of Dentistry
• Contact Name: COD-Requisitions!iowa.uiowa.edu
• Contact Email: [e-mail]